Trying to Play Politics

Let’s be clear, in apex school leadership positions (Superintendent, some Assistant Superintendent Positions, and now Principal), political considerations are always in play. It is the unavoidable nature of game. What you have to decide is how you are going to the game. Before you decide, let me explain how the world works.

There are apex school leaders who essentially ignore the politics and make decisions based on what is best for students. These apex leaders will get fired.

Why? Because over time… What is best for students is bad politics.

There are apex school leaders who constantly focus on the politics. They make decisions based on what is politically palatable and beneficial. These apex leaders will get fired.

Why? Because over time… What is best for politics is bad for students.

What this means is when you accept an apex leadership position, realize that you are going to get fired. So, your real decision-making filter is, “Can I look myself in the mirror in the morning?”